Animal welfare

What to do if you find a lost animal or suspect that an animal is being poorly treated

If you keep pets, or are thinking of getting a pet, you will have a legal responsibility under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to meet their welfare needs which include:

A proper diet and water

Somewhere suitable to live

Any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals

Allowing animals to express normal behaviour

Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease

The penalty for failing to care adequately for your pet could be a fine or even a prison sentence. Find out about caring for pets and learn more about the Animal Welfare Act 2006 from the RSPCA or download further information on animal welfare responsibilities.

Under the Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963 any premises intended to be used to board cat or dogs or to run a day care for dogs needs a licence and it is a criminal offence to operate without one.

You can report animal cruelty to the RSPCA on their emergency number 0300 1234 999.